CARBONDALE and Southern Illinois both hit season-highs of 17 shots behind the arc to win 86-63 over Northern Iowa on Wednesday night at Banterra Center.

Bryan Mullins, head coach of the team, said afterward: “I am proud of my guys for playing 40 minutes in a game that was tough last time. “I thought that the ball was moving well on offense, and the players were giving up great shots to get good shots,” said head coach Bryan Mullins. I thought they had a good step and that we were able, in the first-half, to make them uncomfortable with our pressure.

The Salukis had a senior night to remember as Lance Jones scored 28 points, a game high. Trent Brown scored 11 points and Marcus Domask added 24 as the Salukis improved their record to 21-9 and 13-6 overall in Missouri Valley Conference.

Mullins added: “I am happy that the seniors played the way they did, and I’m also happy for the group. It was great to see the emotion and passion in their faces. We need to build on this performance and keep playing well. A big match is coming up at the weekend.

Southern took an early 8-2 lead, and did not look back. They held a 34-24 lead at the intermission. The Salukis took the board battle 34-28. Southern was a swarm of raindrops in the second, as they connected on 9-15 from long range and 9-10 at the free-throw line, pushing their advantage to 25 in the last minutes.

“It has been a difficult 48 hours for him” (Lance). Mullins explained that they were just talking to Lance and ensuring he was fine and ready to go. “Monday’s practice was the best he has had in a while and today, he was prepared for the game. I am just so happy for him and for his family.”

Evanston native Jones was lethal on the field. He finished with a 28-point season high, just three points short of his career high. Jones shot 11-for-14 on the field, and 5-for-8 in the three-point range. He also had four assists.

Mullins said that Lance played his best game in this jersey. “He made great passes in the paint, and was very decisive about whether to pass, shoot, or catch.”

Domask was dominant in every aspect of the Salukis’ final home match of the season. He had 24 points in the game on 7-for-12, tying his career high with six 3-pointers.

Southern won the game from start to finish as the duo scored 33 of the 52 Salukis points.

Brown made three 3-pointers during the game, the most he has ever hit in one game since December’s Chicago State match.

The Salukis shot 57.7 per cent (30-of-52) and 58.6 per cent (17-of-29) behind the arc in the game, while holding UNI at 39.3 (22-of-56) on the field.

Land Wolf scored 17 points for UNI, while Tytan Andersen led the Panthers with 21 on 7-for-13.

Next
On Sunday, the Salukis will conclude their regular season with a visit to UIC. The game will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Chicago.